BACKGROUND

Outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases, including COVID-19, human infections with avian influenza subtypes, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Ebola Virus Disease globally have highlighted the importance of a countries ability to prepare and respond to acute public health events in a timely manner. The International Health Regulation (IHR 2005) is an international legal instrument to prevent, protect against, control and provide a public health response to the international spread of disease. In the Western Pacific Region, the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies and Health Security (APSED) has served as a framework for action in strengthening IHR (2005) core capacities.

In Lao PDR, APSED has guided the development of the multi-year National Work Plan for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Public Health Emergencies and Health Security by the Ministry of Health (MoH).  Laboratory capacity is one of the key focus areas under the Work Plan. In the past few years, WHO together with DTRA, US CDC, US AID and other partners have been working closely with the MoH in strengthening laboratory capacity. This includes strengthening virological surveillance, the development of national biosafety regulations, national quality standards and establishment of a national external quality assurance (EQA) program. Although substantial progress has been made, there continues to be gaps in capacities for Lao PDR to anticipate, prevent and respond to public health threats.  

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will be based at the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE), Vientiane, Lao PDR and provide technical assistance in implementing virological surveillances, structured laboratory quality management system (LQMS) and biosafety program in provincial and district level of Lao PDR.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Provide technical assistance in implementing structured laboratory quality management system (LQMS) and biosafety program in provincial and district level of Lao PDR and implementing virology surveillances.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

The consultant will report to and be guided by the WHO Country Office. In collaboration with the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE), Ministry of Health (MoH) of Lao PDR, the WHO Representative, and the WHO Health Emergency (WHE) and Health System Development teams, the consultant will conduct the following activities and submit regular reports for each activity, including proposed next steps: 

1. Provide technical assistance and support to the virology laboratory staff in NCLE on virological surveillances of acute respiratory virus, and dengue.
2. Provide necessary oversight, training, and technical assistance to the virology laboratory in NCLE on the development of virology surveillance capacities including sample collection, ELISA, Real-Time-PCR, hemagglutination inhibition, cell cultures and virus isolation.
3. Assist the virology laboratory in NCLE on data management and analysis of sentinel surveillances of acute respiratory virus and dengue.
4. Develop training materials for national laboratory quality standard.
5. Develop SOPs and all related documented such as poster and bench aids for acute respiratory virus surveillance.
6. Conduct sub-national trainings/refresher trainings of Laboratory Quality Management System (LQMS) to five selected laboratories and conduct biosafety and biorisk management to biosafety officers at the provincial level.
7. Provide on-site mentoring for biosafety and LQMS at the five selected laboratories
8. Assist virology laboratory in NCLE and clinical laboratory in Mahosoth hospital in the preparation of External Quality Assessment (EQA) program for dengue virus and haematology and perform the assessments of the EQA programs to identify weaknesses and monitor the impact of corrective measures.
9. Assist laboratory in NCLE on the preparation of laboratory reagents, supplies and equipment required to support diagnostic serology and molecular biology testing at NCLE.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Individual applicants only

EDUCATION

Essential: The consultant should have bachelor level degree in medical technology or related degree in clinical microbiology with the focus on laboratory diagnostics for infectious diseases including virology diagnostic, clinical laboratory diagnostic, serology and molecular biology.

EXPERIENCE

Essential: The consultant should have at least three years’ substantial work experience in medical virology diagnostics particularly in implementing of virology techniques include ELISA, Real-Time-PCR, hemagglutination inhibition, cell cultures and virus isolation, external quality assurance program (EQA) preparation and management, implementing and managing laboratory biosafety and quality management systems and in providing laboratory trainings. The consultants must be familiar with the ISO: 15189 laboratory quality standard, WHO Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation (LQSI) tool and the WHO laboratory Biosafety manual.

Desirable: Working experience in South East Asia is an advantage.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• • Capable of developing programs and materials that are adapted to the local laboratory environment in order to promote sustainability.
• • Skills in planning, training, program implementation and monitoring and evaluation of interventions are essential.
• • Familiar with the ISO: 15189 laboratory quality standards, WHO Laboratory Quality Stepwise Implementation (LQSI) tool and the WHO laboratory Biosafety manual.
• • Ability to interact effectively with health professionals at various levels and to work with national counterparts, non-governmental organizations and international agencies.
• • Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct.
• • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• • Proficiency in standard MS Office applications including MS Excel, MS Word and MS PowerPoint are essential.

LANGUAGES

Advanced English (speaking, reading and writing) is essential.

COMPETENCIES

• • Technical Expertise
• • Communication in a credible and effective way
• • Producing results

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their CV and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 15 January 2021. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed daily consultancy fee and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 120067 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.